School absences way up due to flu

By Ken Johnston
Editor

While there have been no confirmed cases of the H1N1 flu in Rainy River District School Board Schools, there has been a notable increase in absenteeism of late.
“Board schools have experienced student absenteeism related to flu like symptoms. Schools report to the Health Unit if there is 10% or more of the student population away in a school day. Over the last week, most of the schools in the Board (including the schools in Rainy River) had 10% or more of students away from school,” said Diane Ross, Manager of Human Resources with the school board.
The board is asking parents to notify the school if this absenteeism is related to flu like symptoms.
Meanwhile elementary teachers across the province are urging the Ontario Government to set up clinics in schools to administer the H1N1 vaccine to all school-age children.
“We’re seeing rising levels of absenteeism in many schools. Moving quickly to vaccinate all school-age children should be our next priority to ensure that our students do not find themselves on the front lines of an H1N1 pandemic,” says Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario President Sam Hammond.
The most efficient way to do this, says Hammond, is to administer the H1N1 vaccine in schools.
“Logistically, schools are the ideal locations from which to vaccinate our children. A large number of children are congregated in one location, a major advantage for ensuring that inoculations are done quickly and efficiently. In effect, schools would be functioning as community hubs for distribution of an essential service, something the province has suggested schools should be.”
“As educators, we want what’s best for our students. Having flu clinics in schools ensures that every student who has the consent of their parents will receive the H1N1 vaccine as quickly as possible.”